Chipiron, a French deeptech company, is making strides in transforming the medical imaging landscape with its innovative approach to MRI technology. Known for its ambitious vision, Chipiron has now raised $17 million in a Series A funding round, paving the way for the development of a compact and affordable MRI system. This funding will enable the company to create clinical prototypes and start trials by 2026. The effort looks to challenge traditional MRI constraints that stem from cost and size, addressing a significant gap in the medical technology market.
Traditionally, MRI technology has been limited to major hospitals due to its size, cost, and infrastructure requirements. Recent reports have indicated that there has been a growing interest and investment in miniaturizing MRI technology to make it more accessible to various healthcare providers. This approach aligns with global trends towards more flexible, patient-centric care models. Chipiron’s goal to make MRI technology portable and available in smaller or remote healthcare settings reflects an ongoing shift in the industry towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure beyond traditional centers.
What drives Chipiron’s focus on portable MRI units?
The driving force behind Chipiron’s mission is to democratize access to MRI scans by producing a portable version that significantly reduces cost and infrastructure barriers. By focusing on miniaturization, the company aims to make its system available not only in well-equipped hospitals but also in local care centers, clinics, and even in mobile units. The company’s focus is particularly strong on the U.S. market, which is known for embracing forward-thinking healthcare solutions.
How could the market landscape change with Chipiron’s innovation?
Chipiron’s innovations could potentially reshape the landscape of the MRI market, which is currently valued at approximately $10 billion globally. The European market holds a significant share with about $2.5 billion, and France accounts for $500 million. By making MRI scans more affordable and accessible, Chipiron could open new market opportunities, increasing overall access to essential diagnostic technologies, especially in underserved regions.
Evan Kervella, CEO and co-founder of Chipiron, emphasized the importance of this funding round, viewing it as a validation of both the company’s technological potential and its anticipated clinical impact.
“This fundraising marks a major turning point for Chipiron, as it validates both our technological approach and the clinical impact we aim to achieve,” said Evan Kervella.
The involvement of notable investors such as Blast, the EIC Fund, and iXcore demonstrates strong confidence in Chipiron’s mission.
“Chipiron is exactly the kind of biotech we want to boost at Blast,” stated Anthony Bourbon, Founder and CEO of Blast.
Their backing is seen as crucial in advancing Chipiron’s efforts to launch the first clinical prototypes and initiate real-world testing.
This funding round elevates Chipiron’s total financing to over $22 million. Significant investor interest is attributed to Chipiron’s potential to redefine the medical imaging field through its portable MRI system. The company aims to secure regulatory approvals and deploy 100 commercial units by 2028, aligning its growth strategy with larger healthcare trends focused on cost-effectiveness and patient care improvement.
Considerable developments in the MRI sector are fueled by technological progress and the need for enhanced patient care modalities. Chipiron’s portable MRI system represents a critical step forward in extending diagnostic capabilities to areas previously constrained by cost and infrastructure limitations. By cultivating these innovations, Chipiron could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical imaging, bridging gaps in access, and improving global healthcare delivery.
